Al Fahidi Fort, Historic fortification in Bur Dubai, UAE.

Al Fahidi Fort is a square, sandy-tan fortification in Al-Bastakiyya, Bur Dubai, with a continuous row of rounded crenellations along its flat-faced walls and narrow vertical slits. At its centre rises a taller rectangular tower block, also crenellated, pierced below its top by two small openings. A recessed rectangular gateway framed by a lighter carved border holds a tall arched opening closed by a dark metal gate; above the doorway hangs a dark sign with gold Arabic script and the words "DUBAI MUSEUM" in gold capitals. A low stone wall of rough pale blocks with square pillars flanks the base.

Built in 1787 near Dubai Creek, between Ali Bin Talib and Al Fahidi Road, it is the oldest surviving building in the city. It served as a defence against invaders and as a prison, where Buti and Said, sons of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Maktum, were held after their coup attempt against Maktum bin Hasher before going into exile. After independence on 2 December 1971, Sheikh Rashid bin Said Al Maktum ordered its restoration and conversion into a museum; in 1987, after vibration damage was found, the museum was moved underground.

The fort's name, Hisn al-Fahidi, comes from the Al Fahidi area of Al-Bastakiyya where it stands. Since 1971 it has housed the Dubai Museum, and the sign over the arched gate reads "DUBAI MUSEUM" in gold capitals beneath gold Arabic script. The museum was moved underground in 1987 after vibration damage was found in the structure.

Plan enough time to walk through all the levels, since the lower floor is easy to miss if you move quickly. The covered courtyards and indoor rooms provide shelter from the heat, making the visit comfortable even in summer.

The lower floor holds reconstructed market stalls with goods that traders sold roughly 70 years ago, alongside burial objects from much earlier periods. Many visitors walk past the entrance to this level without realizing it exists.